I planted some bulbs into pots a couple of weeks ago - dwarf Iris, dwarf narcissi, dwarf tulip and a pretty two tone grape hyacinth. I left them under the bench overnight with the intention of popping them into the mini greenhouse the next day once I’d sorted it out a bit, only to find a pesky rat and pesky mouse dug up the Iris and tulip pots. (They ignored the daffy and grape hyacinth). I know it was my own fault for leaving them out, but I was not a happy bunny.
I know that it was a mouse and a rat that were the culprits because we put the trail cameras pointing in the area where I’d placed the pots, and sure enough, there they were scuttling about at night. I’m dealing with these pests as I type, with bait, as I do not want them in the garden, especially the rat. I realise bait is not ideal, but rats, especially need getting rid of in the garden - it’s not very big, I don’t want them getting into the house.
So, I’ve bought some more dwarf Iris and tulips, but will hold off planting them in their pots a week or two, and then they’re going straight into the greenhouse (it’s just a mini one), which my husband has made as secure as possible against these rodents using chicken wire, securely fixed on the base of the greenhouse, and I will put fine holed metal wire caging across the top of the pots, too, until they’re ready to go out in the spring.
Thought my bulb buying/planting was almost over ... then I went to Lidl yesterday and six lots of bulbs (two the same variety) leapt from the shelf into my trolley; imagine my surprise when I reached the till I then went to my local GC in search of Blue Aimable tulips, to initially be told they had sold out but then one of the staff disappeared into the stockroom and returned with one box so I bought 16 - only 35 euros each too .
Martina Franca, Puglia, southern Italy Love living in Italy but a Loiner at heart
Lol @Nanny Beach when we have visitors, my husband shows them my garden and says, "Welcome to The Moneypit." I might paint a little sign with those words on it, actually!
I always put a few miniature daffodils and iris in my pots, add some violas and at least it’s a splash of colour in early spring. Wilkinsons have a 3for2 offer on and not a bad selection for anyone who doesn’t want loads.
I have a small area in the garden where I put them after they have flowered while the leaves are dying down, daffodils sometimes come back but never the iris reticulata.
Same @2000GTV, and same bulbs! I was fine until I got an email about Farmer Gracy's sale and as I also got a discount code from my last order it occurred to me I should make a second bargain price tulip pot display, this time in lilac including 10 Blue Aimable.
I also bought 20 more pink tulips in case I don't already have enough to make a suitably fancy pink display and then some other bits for a project area of the garden. That could have really waited until next year so I have time to plan it properly
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I play with plants and soil and sometimes it's successful
So, I’ve bought some more dwarf Iris and tulips, but will hold off planting them in their pots a week or two, and then they’re going straight into the greenhouse (it’s just a mini one), which my husband has made as secure as possible against these rodents using chicken wire, securely fixed on the base of the greenhouse, and I will put fine holed metal wire caging across the top of the pots, too, until they’re ready to go out in the spring.
Love living in Italy but a Loiner at heart
I also bought 20 more pink tulips in case I don't already have enough to make a suitably fancy pink display